One of the most important lessons children can learn concerning patience is how to wait while someone else enjoys themselves and to take pleasure in the happiness of others. Enhance this skill in preschoolers by playing games in which they take turns receiving a treat or a prize but must wait while others enjoy these as well. For example, play a tea party game in which each child receives a cupcake, but instead of eating their treats at the same time, they must wait for the person next to them to finish before they can begin.
As another example, play hide and seek with children to encourage patience while others enjoy the more active role of being “it.” While this traditional game may not initially seem to impart lessons, it helps children learn to feel happiness for others and patiently await their own good fortune. Although children may wish to accelerate the game until it is their turn to be “it,” following the rules teaches them to wait patiently while a friend enjoys searching for them.
Effective conversation and listening skills will benefit preschoolers throughout their lives. Many adults struggle with patience during conversations as they vie for their turn to speak, interrupting others and making discussions imbalanced and less productive. Help preschoolers avoid this behavior by playing games that require patience in waiting their turns to take the spotlight. For example, sit in a circle with preschoolers and play a game in which everyone sings a portion of their favorite song for the class. Move around the circle clockwise. Children will be anxious to share their songs but will learn patience and respectful listening as they allow each classmate to take her turn.
You can also play the game Giraffe with preschoolers, in which players compete to see who can be silent for the longest period of time. Impatient children struggle to remain quiet and eagerly anticipate their turn to speak, often interrupting others. Intentionally attempting to remain quiet in a game of Giraffe reminds preschoolers they do not always need to be the center of attention.
You can teach preschoolers the patience they need to invest now and reap benefits later with games that emphasize delayed gratification. For example, offer preschoolers a prize, telling them that they can choose to receive the prize now or in a week. Explain that if they choose to receive the prize in a week, it will be twice as enjoyable. Encourage a dialogue amongst preschoolers and entice them to choose the waiting option.
You can also play a farmer game with preschoolers. Prepare a small plot of dirt outdoors. If dirt is not available, give each child a small flowerpot or a cup. Plant seeds accordingly and assist children in watering and fertilizing plants daily. Though preschoolers may feel impatient for their seeds to sprout, caring for them before they see the products of their labor will help them develop patience and the ability to nurture slow-growing goals.
Enrich preschoolers’ futures by playing games that give them the patience to enjoy the little things. For example, play a game in which you ask preschoolers to describe the most enjoyable day they can remember. Explain to preschoolers that if they spend all of their time anticipating the future, they won’t appreciate the present. Recalling enjoyable past activities will help preschoolers realize how much fun they can even while anticipating future excitement.
Similarly, play a game in which you create countdown calendars to help children learn this important aspect of patience. Ask preschoolers to think of an event they are looking forward to, such as a visit from grandparents or a birthday. Turn the waiting process into a game by creating calendars that indicate the days before the coveted event.